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2018 Subaru WRX review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Subaru WRX highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Spacious cabin with excellent visibility
  • Fun and engaging handling
  • Standard full-time all-wheel drive

Cons

  • Interior quality falls short of competitors
  • Rougher ride than competitors, especially with the STI
  • Lots of wind and road noise

Mileage (EPA estimate)

16 city, 22 highway, 18 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $32,998*

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The AWD 2018 Subaru WRX is a roomy and fun compact sedan

The 2018 Subaru WRX is a roomy and fun AWD sedan. It combines excellent passenger space, all-year-round usability, and sharp handling in a unique package. For peak performance, there's the more aggressive 2018 WRX STI, which adds power and performance at the cost of some civility around town. For 2018, the WRX received a refresh that included updates to its looks, handling, and sound insulation, along with a revised front crash structure and minor tweaks to driver aids for models equipped with an automatic transmission.

Even with the suspension and sound-deadening updates, the WRX remains a bit more noisy, and the ride a bit less comfortable, than competitors. The WRX’s technology options were acceptable for 2018, but Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ were not available. Competitors like the 2018 Honda Civic Si and 2018 Volkswagen GTI offer a bit more refinement or a few additional features but aren’t as roomy and lack all-wheel drive.

All Subaru WRX years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru WRX generation from 2015 to 2026

What is new for the 2018 Subaru WRX?

  • The WRX is available in a new trim called the STI Type RA.
  • WRX trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.
  • Front Seat Heaters, Sunroof(s), Kicker Speaker System, Memory Seat(s), Alloy Wheels, Rear Spoiler, Satellite Radio Ready, Leather & Suede Seats, and Power Seat(s) features are now available as options on select trims.

2018 Subaru WRX trims

Curious how Subaru WRX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 268-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • View our Subaru WRX inventory

Premium:

Limited:

STI:

STI Limited:

STI Type RA:

Subaru WRX photos

What We Like

Fun: Since Subaru launched the WRX, it’s had a reputation for being an entertaining all-wheel-drive car. With up to 305 horsepower in the WRX STI, responsive steering and sharp handling, the WRX is a great companion on a twisty road.

Practical: The WRX offers excellent interior room, with space for child safety seats and even adults in the back row, and it’s easy to get in and out of. The trunk is a bit tight but can be expanded thanks to the folding split rear seat.

All-wheel drive: AWD isn’t uncommon on high-dollar, high-performance cars, but among affordable sporty options it’s much more rare. Subaru’s full-time AWD system comes standard on the WRX and helps with handling and acceleration as well as winter driving.

What Needs Improvement

Interior quality: While it feels roomy and open inside, the WRX’s cabin lags behind competitors in terms of noise and the quality of materials. The WRX is worth considering for its performance, but it makes some compromises when it comes to fit and finish.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

5 out of 5

6 customer reviews
The 2018 Subaru WRX delivers exceptional performance with impressive power, precise handling, and good interior space. Cabin noise and dated technology are drawbacks, while fuel economy varies based on driving style. This sporty sedan offers reliable turbocharged power and an engaging driving experience, though some features might feel basic to tech-savvy users.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Subaru WRX an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru WRX 39th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru WRX

Subaru WRX features and specs

Curious how Subaru WRX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

STI Type RA 4D Sedan 4WD/AWD

Standard Features

  • Power Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Rear Spoiler
  • 4WD/AWD
  • Manual Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • CD Audio
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology

Optional Features

  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Smart Key
  • Navigation System

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

310

Torque (ft-lbs)

290

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

15.9

Wheelbase

104.3"

Overall length

180.9"

Width

70.7"

Height

58.1"

Leg room

F 43.3"/R 35.4"

Head room

F 39.8"/R 37.1"

Front tires

P245/35WR19

Rear tires

P245/35WR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Manual 6

2018 Subaru WRX FAQ

The 2018 Subaru WRX has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Subaru WRX, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Subaru WRX Reviews.
The Subaru WRX received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Subaru WRX as 39 out of 46 among Compact Car
Here are the pros and cons of the 2018 Subaru WRX: Pros - Power - Ride and Handling - Interior Space Cons - Technology and Entertainment - Cabin Noise - Power
Here is what's new for the 2018 Subaru WRX:
  • STI Type RA
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Kicker Speaker System
The 2018 Subaru WRX offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Gas: 16 city / 22 highway MPG (STI trim) • Gas: 21 city / 27 highway MPG (Limited trim) • Gas: 21 city / 27 highway MPG (Premium trim) • Gas: 21 city / 27 highway MPG (Base trim) • Gas: 16 city / 22 highway MPG (STI Limited trim) • Gas: 16 city / 22 highway MPG (STI Type RA trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.

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